Moving from Aurora, IL to Elgin, IL
It is a short 23 mi hop from Aurora, IL to Elgin, IL — roughly 44 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
23 mi · 44 min by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CR 77, IL 25, CR 19 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 103.595 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $316,958 vs $329,682.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Aurora (50.2°F) and Elgin (49.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elgin averages 32.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.94 |
Median household incomes in Aurora ($90,109) and Elgin ($88,316) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elgin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elgin averages 32.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Elgin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.0°F in Elgin vs 50.2°F in Aurora (1.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.1 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 39.9 in vs 39.5 in.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Elgin, IL from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 23 mi and the route typically takes 44 min via CR 77 and IL 25. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 2.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 23 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 4.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Elgin, IL.